Embassy Suites to open Monday

Outrigger's $535 million revitalization is nearing the end of its first phase

After some delay, the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk will open the doors to one of its towers on Monday, welcoming its first guests.

The Outrigger Enterprises Group's $535 million revitalization project is taking shape as construction workers have been hammering and soldering away to complete the first phase in time for Christmas.

Escalators appear to be in place at the new retail plaza on Lewers Street, along with the curvy facade and glass canopies inspired by the outrigger canoe and ocean themes. But barricades are still up, requiring drivers to navigate through the construction maze that still remains.

The 21-story Embassy Suites, a Hilton Hotels brand, will be the first hotel to open at Beach Walk, offering 219 rooms in the Hula Tower on Monday. Originally, Outrigger had anticipated opening the tower and several stores in time for the Honolulu Marathon weekend on Dec. 9 and 10, but was unable to do so because of construction delays.

Reservations were officially being taken from Dec. 22 and onwards.

The Aloha Tower at Embassy Suites, offering 202 rooms on Beach Walk, meanwhile, is targeted to open in late January or early February.

Only Freaky Tiki Tropical Optical, a store offering high-end sunglasses, was open in time, along with the Wyndham Vacation Ownership timeshare.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a chain owned by the Sullivan Family of Cos., opened its doors yesterday to a light crowd, along with Beard Papa Sweets Cafe. Malibu Shirts is expected to open soon.

Other stores, which originally targeted a Dec. 4 opening date, but are now hoping to open by Christmas Day are: Na Hoku, Maui Divers Jewelry, Coco Cove, Folli Follie, Mondo Gelato, Tabora's Diamond Head Gallery and ABC Stores.

"When you think of the magnitude of the project, that's pretty good," said Outrigger spokeswoman Nancy Daniels.

Waikiki Beach Walk, Outrigger's development project spanning eight acres, will feature nearly 50 new retailers, four major dining establishments and four hotels, including the Trump International Hotel & Tower.